A study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that a combination of tiotropium bromide with a low dose of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) provides better asthma control than doubling the dose of ICS and is as effective as a salmeterol/ICS combination. Patients taking the tiotropium combination gained … [Read more...] about NHLBI study shows tiotropium/ICS combo effective for asthma
Medical
Phase III data shows Onbrez better for COPD than salmeterol
Novartis has announced that its Phase III INSIST study shows that its once-daily Onbrez Breezhaler indacaterol DPI produces better bronchodilation in COPD patients than does twice-daily salmeterol. Onbrez also reduced the need for rescue medication, according to the data presented. The FDA has requested additional clinical data from Novartis for consideration of … [Read more...] about Phase III data shows Onbrez better for COPD than salmeterol
Boston Scientific buys Asthmatx, hopes to expand use of bronchial thermoplasty
Boston Scientific has acquired Asthmatx, the developer of a bronchial thermoplasty procedure marketed as an alternative to inhaled medications for the treatment of severe asthma for an upfront payment of $193.5 million and future payments of up to $250 million. The Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System, which was approved by the FDA in April 2010, uses heat to … [Read more...] about Boston Scientific buys Asthmatx, hopes to expand use of bronchial thermoplasty
MAP announces Levadex trial results
A PD study has shown no statistically significant difference in pulmonary artery pressure effects of Levadex inhaled dihydroergotamine (DHE) compared to placebo, according to MAP Pharmaceutical. The inhaled formulation had a smaller effect on pulmonary artery pressure than IV DHE. MAP has said that it intends to submit an NDA for Levadex for the treatment of … [Read more...] about MAP announces Levadex trial results
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) doubles asthma risk
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that teenagers who used acetaminophen at least once a month have a 250% higher risk of developing asthma than do non-users and nearly as great an increased risk of developing rhinoconjunctivitis. Read the abstract. … [Read more...] about Acetaminophen (paracetamol) doubles asthma risk